Northern Lights Forecast Brightens for Multiple U.S. States

Significant solar event increases chances of aurora borealis visibility across 10 states, including Massachusetts.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:51am

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A bold, abstract painting in muted shades of green, blue, and violet, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spiral patterns that evoke the dynamic energy and natural order of the northern lights.Vibrant aurora borealis displays across the northern U.S. sky, a rare celestial event driven by powerful solar activity.Anchorage Today

A major solar flare has created conditions favorable for northern lights visibility across approximately 10 U.S. states, including Massachusetts, according to forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center. The aurora viewline predictions show the southern-most locations where the aurora may be observable on the northern horizon, with the most active displays expected in Alaska.

Why it matters

The increased geomagnetic activity that produces visible aurora can also impact electric power transmission, radio communications, and GPS systems. For aurora enthusiasts, this event provides a rare opportunity to potentially view the northern lights from locations further south than usual, though cloud cover remains a key factor in successful viewing.

The details

The Space Weather Prediction Center is issuing aurora viewline predictions for tonight and tomorrow night over North America, showing the southern-most locations from which observers may see the aurora on the northern horizon. The forecast indicates active aurora activity, with displays potentially visible overhead from Utqiaġvik to Anchorage and Juneau in Alaska. News outlets report that the biggest solar flare of the year has created conditions favorable for northern lights visibility across approximately 10 states, including Massachusetts.

  • The aurora viewline predictions cover tonight and tomorrow night (March 30-31, 2026).
  • The transition from tonight to tomorrow night occurs at 12:00Z, which is within an hour of the end of the 6pm-6am Central Time window used for forecasting.

The players

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

The U.S. government agency that oversees weather, climate, oceans, and coasts, including operating the Space Weather Prediction Center.

Space Weather Prediction Center

A division of NOAA that monitors and forecasts space weather, including aurora borealis activity.

Geophysical Institute

A research institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks that provides aurora forecasts and information.

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What’s next

The Space Weather Prediction Center will continue to monitor the situation and update their aurora viewline predictions as needed. Observers in the affected states should check multiple forecast sources and watch for clear skies to have the best chance of seeing the northern lights.

The takeaway

This significant solar event provides a rare opportunity for aurora borealis viewing in parts of the United States outside of Alaska, though cloud cover remains a key factor. The increased geomagnetic activity can also impact critical infrastructure, underscoring the importance of space weather monitoring and forecasting.